Aromatherapy

One kind of therapy recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW

By : Atina Hussaana
Departement of Pharmacology Medical Faculty Sultan Agung Islamic University

The Profets Guidance on Preserving the health with Perfume

Good scents and perfumes are nutrition for the soul, and the soul is the dynamo of the rest of the body powers.
Perfume helps the brain, the heart & the internal organs and brings comfort to the heart & the soul. Perfumes are also the most suitable & favorable remedy and substance for the soul.

There is a close connection between the good soul & scented perfumes.

Perfumes were among the dearest substances in this world to the heart of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Al-Bukhari narrated that the Prophet SAW used to always accept perfume when presented to him.

Al-Muslim narrated that Rasulullah SAW said :He who is offered Raihan (basil) should not refuse it, because it is easy to wear and has a good scent. (raihan / basil / ais / kemangi)

Abu Dawud and An-Nasai narrated that the Prophet SAW said : Whoever is offered some perfume should not refuse it because it is light to wear and has a good scent.

Ibn Abi Shaibah also narrated the the Messenger of Allah SAW had a container (sukkah) that had some perfume and he used to perfume himself with it.

The angels like perfume while devils dislike it. Good souls like good scents. Imam Muslim narrated in his Sahih that Ibn Umar used to burn dry aloe wood along with some Kafur (camphoor), and states that the Messenger of Allah SAW used to do the same. Strengthening the intestine, relief & comfort the heart, helps the mind, sharpens the senses, cleanse the air, etc. Aloe wood / Ud / Aluwwah : kayu cendana

Introduction of Aromatherapy
Aromatic oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 7.000 years (Buckle 2000). The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks & Romans employed essential oils derived from plant materials in cosmetics, perfumes & pharmaceuticals. Today, aromatherapy is gaining new attention as an alternative healing modality related to herbal medicine (Buckle 2000).

Aromatherapy :
Is a treatment system based on the use of essential oils. Oils may be inhaled, applied to the skin, added to bath or ingested. (in Germany, the term of aromatherapy is just based on the use EOs by inhalation)

Essential oils :
contain volatile organic compounds, extracted from plants, flowers, wood resins & citrus peels by a process of steam distillation using petrochemical solvents (Buckle 1999).

Chemical constituents & therapeutic actions (Stevensen 1996) : - aldehydes have anti-infectious properties - C10 terpenes have a cortisone-like action - esters have an antispasmodic action - ketones are mucolitic - oxides have expectorant & antiparasitic qualities - phenols stimulate the immune system R-C=O - sesquiterpenes are antihistamines I
H R-C=O I O I R R-C=O I R R-C-C-R I O -OH

Monoterpen epoksida

Monoterpen keton

sesquiterpen

Mechanism of Action
- Chemical in essential oils have physiologic & psychologic properties. - Work on a molecular level. - Can be administered in a variety of ways.

When inhaled, the nose detects the scent & transmits it to the olfactory bulb, which sends nerve impulses to the limbic system in the brain, including both the amygdala, which controls emotions & the hippocampus, which stores & retrieves memories.

Example: Lavandula angustifolia

Essential oil (EO) with sedative & pain relieving properties, affect the amygdala by increasing inhibitory neurons containing GABA (same process whith diazepam to produce sedation and to reduce the effect of external stimuli such as pain). Aromatic chemicals trigger the repository of stored memories in the hippocampus, which can have measurable effects on mood (ex: there are cases of depressed, elderly, institutionalized individuals reporting decreased sadness after smelling certain fruits & flowers that triggered childhood memories.

When applied to the skin, EOs are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Occasionally, EOs are also ingested, but this is considered a component of herbal medicine & should only occur under the guidance of a qualified specialist (Buckle 1999).

Other mechanisms of EO to relieve pain & induce mood changes. Analgesic comp. 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), activate the brain to release neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin & NE); (ex: cardamon, rosemary & eucalyptus contain eucalyptol). When EOs are administered topically (part of a massage), the direct touch stimulates sensory fibers in the skin, which triggers the parasymp nervous sys, thus inducing relaxation & decreasing the perception of pain (Buckle 1999). EOs also impact brain wave activity, creating either stimulating or sedative effects (Stevensen 1996).

Clinical Applications
Scientific literature supports the use of EOs for insomnia. Several RCTs have demonstrated a reduction of pain medication for people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer & headaches (Buckle 1999). One RCT, double-blind, indicates that thyme, rosemary, lavender & cedar-wood oils may promote hair growth in people with alopecia areata (Hay et al. 1998).

Other EOs improve skin conditions in people with psoriasis (Walsh 1996).

Clinical trial 8-year, > 8,000 women who employed aromatherapy during labor & delivery. EOs administered in : inhalations, massages, footbaths & a drop on the brow or palm during established labor or in the latent phase. Results : rose, lavender & frankincense oils may reduce feelings of anxiety & fear, improving a women's overall well-being during childbirth, reducing the need for epidural analgesia or other pain medication. Peppermint oil is effective in relieving nausea & vomiting, common symptoms during labor (in many women). Clary-sage oil may strengthen contractions & decrease the need for oxytocin in women with dysfunctional labor (Burns et al. 2000).

Risks, Side Effects, Adverse Events Most EOs hold GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status (Buckle 2000). However, the solvents used in the extraction & distillation processes may cause allergic or sensitizing reactions in certain individuals (Buckle 1999). Side Effects of EOs: Occasionally : headache (Burns et al. 2000). Extremely rare : contact dermatitis (Weiss&James.97). Rare : abortifacient effects, impaired liver function & neurotoxicity due to the high quantity of ketones in certain oils, such as Lavandula stoechas (Stevensen 1996).

Interact with medications

Interaction providing either synergistic or negative effects. Animal studies : - Eucalyptol may significantly decrease the effect of phenobarbital. - West Indian lemongrass may potentiate the effect of morphine (Buckle 1999). - Bergamot, can cause photosensitivity & burns if patients are exposed to sunlight after topical application (Buckle 2000).

Precautions
EOs should never be ingested unless instructed to do so by a trained professional. Some oils are toxic & taking them orally could be fatal. Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can cause dermal irritation. To avoid potential rx, patients should dilute oils before use & avoid using them near the eyes. EOs are highly volatile & flammable, dont be used near an open flame (Buckle 2000).

Contraindications
Hypertension patients should avoid using stimulating EOs (rosemary & spike lavender) (Buckle 1999). Emmenogogic oils (hyssop), should be avoided throughout pregnancy & in patients with seizures.

In general, all EOs should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy & in patients with severe asthma or a history of multiple allergies.

Patients with estrogen-dependent tumors shouldnt use oils with E-like compounds (fennel, aniseed, sage & clary-sage).
Practitioners should exercise caution when using EOs with patients undergoing chemotherapy (Buckle 2000).

The Future
Its few controlled clinical trials have been conducted in human beings. There are many potential uses of aromatherapy in a wide variety of settings, conclusive evidence of its clinical efficacy is lacking (Buckle 2000).

There are some concerns regarding the safety & quality of certain EOs (Stevensen 1996).
More research is necessary before aromatherapy becomes a widely accepted alternative modality with clear & specific clinical indications (Buckle 2000).

Lavender

Lemon balm

Echinecea

Dandelion

Chamomile

Peppermint

Ephedra

Cranberry

Eucalyptus

Rosemary

Yarrow

Burdock

Alternative Therapies with EOs For anxiety : EOs of lemon balm, bergamot & jasmine are calming and may be used as aromatherapy. Place several drops in a warm bath, atomizer, or cotton ball. For asthma : EOs that may be helpful are elecampane, frankincense, lavender, mint, and sage. Add 4 to 6 drops in a bath, atomizer, or humidifier.

For Cough : EO of Thyme, eucalyptus & pine oils can be applied to ease bronchial spasm & help thin mucus. Chest rubs with 2 to 4 drops of EO in 1 tbsp. of food grade oil (e.g., olive, flaxseed, sesame, almond oils) Castor oil pack with 4 to 6 drops of essential oil Chest poulticeflaxseed oil with baume de Canada, frankincense, mustard, oregano, or thyme oils

For Headache, sinus : EOs can help to minimize the discomfort, treat infection, stimulating the immune system, clearing the congestion & decreasing the frequency of headaches/infections. A combination of physical medicine & herbal or homeopathic treatment is often very effective.

EOs may be used as a bath or as a steam. For a steam : place 2 to 5 drops in a pot, bring to a simmer, and hold head over pot.

For a bath : add 5 to 10 drops of oil to the bath. Eucalyptus, lavender & thyme are specific for upper respiratory infections. Lavender & rosemary are also very calming. All of these EOs have antiseptic properties.

For Headache, Tension

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita)a natural antispasmodic & diuretic, effective against tension as extra-strength Tylenol. Add two drops of peppermint or lavender EOs to one cup of water. Soak a cloth in the solution and apply as a compress.

For Insomnia Herbs may be effective for treating both short term and chronic insomnia. EOs (3 to 5 drops added to a bath) may be effective as part of a bedtime ritual.

Commonly used herbs are : lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) & chamomile (Chamomilla recutita).

T H For your attention A N K

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